The Atlanta Thrashers sent Kovalchuk and defenseman Anssi
Salmela to the Devils on Thursday night for right winger Niclas
Bergfors, defenseman Johnny Oduya, prospect Patrice Cormier and a first-round pick.

The 26-year-old Kovalchuk, set to become an unrestricted free
agent July 1, turned down the Thrashers' 12-year, $101 million
extension offer.

Since the Thrashers drafted him No. 1 overall in 2001, Kovalchuk
leads the NHL with 328 goals, but Atlanta has made just one playoff appearance and has never won a postseason game.